Shrinkage void formation and its effect on freeze and thaw processes of lithium and lithium-fluoride for space applications

The effects of shrinkage void forming during freezing of lithium and lithium fluoride on subsequent thaw processes are investigated using a numerical scheme that is based on a single (solid/liquid) cell approach. Results show that a void forming at the wall appreciably reduces the solid-liquid interface velocity, during both freeze and thaw, and causes a substantial rise in the wall temperature during thaw. However, in the case of Li, the maximum wall temperature was much lower than the melting temperature of PWC-11, which is used as the structure material in the SP-100 system. Hence, it is concluded that a formation of hot spots is unlikely during the startup or restart of the SP-100 system.